The Secret of the Scent Map

Elana Rubinstein author Jennifer Naalchigar illustrator

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Behrman House Inc.,U.S.

Published:25th Mar '25

Should be back in stock very soon

The Secret of the Scent Map cover

"A magical adventure with rich depictions of Jewish culture." —School Library Journal Starred Review

Aunt Lotte has gone missing! In this fifth book of the popular SARALEE SIEGEL chapter book series for ages 6-8, Saralee becomes frustrated with her aunt and says some things she really doesn't mean. But when her aunt disappears leaving only a strange, scented map, Saralee must once again rely on a good friend and her super power—her sense of smellto find her.

The Siegel family is busy busy busy! The entire restaurant has to be prepared for Passover. That means cleaning everything, ridding the kitchen of all the bread products, and creating a completely new kosher menu. Everyone was chipping in to do their part. Everyone except Aunt Lotte. She got frustrated after polishing one spoon, and now prefers to sit around while other people work hard. She even eats the food made for the restaurant's customers!

Saralee is getting more and more upset, and she can't hold herself back any longer after Aunt Lotte knocks the freshly peeled horseradish into the trash. Saralee peeled them herself, despite her super-nose being sensitive to the bitter smell. And Aunt Lotte didn't even apologize! After arguing with each other, Saralee says some hurtful things she doesn't mean. But when she goes to apologize, she realizes Aunt Lotte isn't in her room. She has vanished--leaving behind a strange map of the world with tiny glass perfume vials attached to it.

Saralee will need the help of her friend Harold as they figure out what this map means and how it will lead to Aunt Lotte.

"Saralee and her family are hard at work preparing for the upcoming Passover feast at their family restaurant. Using her “super-nose,” Saralee invents a few new dessert recipes. However, when Aunt Lottie arrives, makes a mess, and takes some of the treats without offering to help, Saralee says something unkind—and Aunt Lottie mysteriously disappears. Determined to find her missing aunt, Saralee and her best friend, Harold, embark on a global adventure, guided by a “scent map” that leads them to different countries. Along the way, they uncover surprising truths about Aunt Lottie. Jewish culture and traditional foods are woven throughout, offering a sense of familiarity for those who celebrate Passover, while introducing others to these customs. For those interested in trying Passover alfajores, which are popular in Argentina, one of the destinations on Saralee and Harold’s journey, a recipe is included in the back matter. Black-and-white illustrations bring this unique story to life. VERDICT A valuable addition to early chapter book collections that combines a magical adventure with rich depictions of Jewish culture." —School Library Journal Starred Review

ISBN: 9781681156453

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

128 pages